Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Stephenson,
I am writing to request a credit standing or the option to drop Phil 151 (Great Works of Philosophy) due to extenuating circumstances that significantly impacted my performance during the Winter 2024 semester.
In mid-March, I began to experience unexpected heart-related issues that required medical attention in Canada. Despite consultations at Queens University and Kingston General Hospital (see attached documentation below), a definite diagnosis remains elusive. This uncertainty, coupled with ongoing physical symptoms, severely affected my mental health, causing significant anxiety and panic attacks. As an international student adjusting to life in a new country, this compounded my challenges, and I frequently returned home seeking support from my family and with the possibility of receiving last-minute appointments with my regular doctors.
Despite these difficulties, I found solace and genuine interest in the philosophical content of Phil 151. The course's explanation for the meaning of life resonated with me as I grappled with my health situation. However, I was surprised to discover my poor marks upon receiving my graded assignments. I had attended nearly all lectures, invested considerable amounts of time in the course work, and even tried to contact my TA for an assistant; unfortunately, my requests went unanswered.
Furthermore, lengthy delays in receiving feedback on my assignments hinder my ability to improve my work, contributing to my difficulties in this specific course. I believe this provides an answer as to why I only struggled in this course, as my other courses offered consistent feedback and availability from their instructors. Since I was unaware of my health issues or their long-term effects during the add/drop period, I did not initially perceive a problem. I recognize that my lack of communication with my TA does not fully excuse my performance, but these circumstances, along with my health struggles, significantly impacted my work in Phil 151.
Thankfully, I have since returned home and created a much better state for myself. Reconnecting with my therapists and doctors, I’m addressing the root of my health concerns, which appear to be related to an eating disorder. I’m developing strategies like maintaining routines, journaling, and actively seeking support to create a healthier balance in my life. I’m committed to prioritizing both my well-being and my academic success.
Looking ahead, I plan to utilize student accommodations more proactively, recognizing them as a valuable resource rather than a sign of weakness. I’ve also learned from a Queens Art and Science advisor that I can still seek out accommodations after absences due to medical reasons. Moving forward, I plan to be more proactive about my health, use available support resources, and manage my course load effectively, along with cooking for myself, to ensure that this situation does not become a problem interfering with my academics again.
I have attached my documentation for your review; if it is locked, use my student number (20402860) as a passcode. I am dedicated to my success at Queens, and I believe that with appropriate support, I can overcome these challenges. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your time and your consideration regarding my request.
Sincerely,
Adelaide